Wisconsin crew lends ecumenical hands Methodists help fix Bangor thrift shop

BANGOR – The Methodists stayed with the Lutherans to help the Salvation Army.

In a burst of ecumenical enthusiasm, about 30 Wisconsin Methodists this week wound up their work in Bangor, where they helped the area Salvation Army move its Center Street thrift store and Christmas center to a 21,000-square-foot location on Broadway.

The Methodists, who range in age from 13 to 86, sawed and hammered as the Salvation Army readies the store for opening in September.

Part of an organization called Volunteers in Mission, the Methodist group was organized through the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church. Throughout the year, VIM chapters participate in mission trips all over the world.

On July 1, the Wisconsin group arrived in Bangor, where participants stayed at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 540 Essex St. Redeemer’s pastor, the Rev. Elaine Hewes, has family ties in Wisconsin and recruited the VIM group.

This is VIM’s third trip to Maine, and Hewes has been the group’s tie each time. In 1993 and 1996, volunteers worked in the Ellsworth area.

This time, the group has been sleeping and eating at Redeemer. Husson College, Dysart’s and the Bangor YMCA and YWCA have provided showers.

For the first couple of days, while the electrician finished installing overhead lights, the group worked by lamplight.

The oldest member of the group, Wayne Yoder, 86, said this was his 22nd mission trip.

“I’m retired and this is something I can do to help people,” he said.

Back in Wisconsin, Yoder helps a local organization restore old buildings into affordable housing. He described volunteering as “a refreshing experience.”

Before retiring, Yoder was a professional engineer. “My experience before retiring made me easily adaptable to this type of work,” he said as he cut a piece of wallboard Wednesday.

The group also had some fun while in Maine. They all visited Acadia National Park and some of them saw Penobscot Theatre’s presentation of “Anne of Green Gables” Sunday afternoon.

Rachel Larsen, 13, was here with her mother, Mary.

“You get to meet lots of different people,” she said. “And when you’re done, you’ve accomplished something.” She then proceeded to climb up the scaffolding beside her and resume painting around a door frame.

Nora Morgan, director of the Salvation Army thrift store, said the thrift store-Christmas center will be moving into the former Fred’s Hardware and Laverdiere’s building on Broadway. Owned by Erwin Singer, the building has about three times the amount of space the current building provides.

Job Corps students in Bangor began the renovation about five months ago by doing 99 percent of the demolition in the building. They will continue to help Morgan throughout the renovation.

The Salvation Army offices, chapel and soup kitchen will remain on South Park Street.

“I can’t wait to get up here,” Morgan said as she looked around the building.

Morgan said the new location will be more visible, open longer hours, and able to employ more workers.

For now, donations still need to be dropped off at the 146 Center St. location.

The Salvation Army still is looking for volunteers. Morgan said groups are easier to work with, but individuals are welcome. For information on how to volunteer, call the Center Street store at 941-2993.